How Texas is using immigration detention centers

Texas family detention center
A file photo provided by the Department of Homeland Security shows family detainees walking down the hall at the T. Don Hutto Residential Center in Taylor, Texas in 2007.
Charles Reed | AP Photo file

In the last year, America has quietly started building detention centers in Texas to deal with immigrants awaiting deportation trials.

In the past, families who arrived in the United States would live in communities while they awaited trial to keep their children out of prison-like conditions and allow them to attend school.

With this switch to detention centers for housing these immigrants, what is happening to young children, and how are American officials justifying this detention policy that's illegal under international law?

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.